July Fourth Weekend

What a weekend! I baked up a storm Saturday night to make my first cake from scratch. Not to shabby eh? I found Martha Stewart’s recipe for Flag Sheet Cake, and changed it up a little by substituting strawberries for raspberries. The light, fluffy texture of the cake was a hit with my family. I think using cake flour, which I’d like to call magic dust, made all the difference! The cake is great paired with seasonal fruit.

Most of the weekend I spent with my family at a villa on the coast we usually book for the July 4th weekend. This was the view from our balcony overlooking Crystal Cove.

That’s my mom, my cousin and me. We look really happy because we just finished eating a yummy breakfast with a rare treat, Filipino-style sausage called longanisa.

{Saturday’s breakfast spread}

{The demolished desserts late Sunday night}

{Vanilla ice cream, blueberries and strawberries}

** And in case you missed the big news before the holiday weekend. I was chosen to be a finalist in The Huffington Post Style’s reader contest to cover the Life Ball in Vienna as part of an all expenses paid trip. (WOW, right?) Now it’s up to an online vote. I’m floored by the support that’s kept me in a solid first place position all weekend. But we’re only half way through the voting period. There are 2.5 days more to go before the contest ends Wednesday at noon. Please VOTE (10/10) if you haven’t yet or, if you have, keep it up! Thanks so much!!